ONLINE REGISTRATION SYSTEM 
	- Neelu Bedi.


1. Overview
   Over the past few years, there has been an unprecedented increase in
   the number of applications appearing on-line. The spectrum of
   applications is wide, ranging from on-line flight reservations,
   databases, weather reports, bank accounts, credit card billing etc. The
   on-line registration system if implemented with accurate security is a
   proposition with immense promise. This system primarily aims at easing
   registration procedures for schools and universities. Secondly, it
   obviates the need for students to be physically present to register.
   Using the on-line system, one can access this system from anywhere and
   consequently register. Certain security issues may arise, which are
   discussed later. 


2. Features.
   The following are the some of the essential features that the on-line 
   registration system must entail.
   a.  An easy to user, GUI interface.
   b.  Register for classes on-line. 
   c.  Add/Drop classes on-line: though there could be a certain issue
       here involving getting the required signatures of the department heads
       etc.
   d.  View Student status (in terms of the number of classes) for the
       current as well as previous semester.
   e.  A possible feature could calculate a student's GPA.


3.  Issues
    As with all applications that are on-line, the following are some of the 
    prime issues of concern.

    a. Perform updates and follow constraints.
      When students register on-line, certain constraints need to be kept
      in mind; conflicting class times, available seats a class and based on a 
      students status (like junior, graduate etc), whether a particular student 
      is allowed to register for a class or not, etc. Students must be informed 
      about these while they are trying to register and accordingly be allowed 
      to register. All this should be done reliably without violating any 
      student status.

    b. Security & Privacy.
      As with all on-line or web based application, security and 
      consequently privacy becomes a prime concern. Students must be provided 
      with a secure login and password and using encryption algorithms, these 
      must be sent securely over the Internet. In addition, only browsers that
      support 128-bit encryption should be used to while accessing the
      registration system.


    c. Net Congestion:
      To avoid many students accessing the registration system at the same time 
      resulting in potential congestion problems, students can be assigned
      registration times. Students should be able to register, add and drop 
      classes only during their scheduled times. 

4. Data engine:
   This application facilitates the need for a huge database. The database can 
   be designed in a hierarchical manner with folders and sub folders. 

5. Feasibility.
   Implementing the above could be turn about to be a rather huge project. 
   However, one could try the same on a smaller scale, e.g. within academic 
   departments and so on and then extend it if possible.